Hezbollah: Iran won't seek attack

If Israel hits nuke sites, Hezbollah says it'd plan response

BEIRUT, Lebanon - Iran will not ask Lebanon's Hezbollah to retaliate if Israel attacks Iran's nuclear facilities, the leader of the militant group said Tuesday.

Sheik Hassan Nasrallah told thousands of supporters by video link that in case of such an Israeli attack on Iran, his leadership would make a decision about a response.

Hezbollah is funded by Iran.

The United States Europe and Israel charge Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Israel considers Iran its most dangerous enemy and has vowed to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. Many fear that if Israel attacks Iran, it would ignite a Middle East war, starting with Hezbollah retaliation.

"There is speculation about what would happen if Israel bombed Iran's nuclear facilities," Nasrallah said. "I tell you that the Iranian leadership will not ask Hezbollah to do anything. On that day, we will sit, think and decide what we will do."

Hezbollah holds the balance of power in Lebanon's coalition government.

The Iran-backed group has been in conflict with Israel since 1982, when Israel invaded Lebanon.

Israel pulled out in 2000 according to a border drawn by the U.N., but Lebanon says Israel is still occupying some territory.

In 2006, Hezbollah and Israel fought a 34-day war the killed about 1,200 people in Lebanon and 160 in Israel.

Nasrallah also denied U.S. charges that his group is involved in drug smuggling and money laundering.